APRA Maioha Award 2005
At the invitation of the Maori Music Industry Coalition, Toi Maori's General Manager Garry Nicholas presented the 2005 APRA Maioha Award to Anituatua Black and Whirimako Black.
(Monday 12 September 2005)
The Apra Maioha Award for the waiata 'Tini Whetu' was presented to the mother and daughter song-writing team Anituatua & Whirimako Black by Toi Maori"s Garry Nicholas at the APRA Silver Scroll Awards at the Auckland Town Hall. The audience was then treated to a performance of 'Tini Whetu' by Kathy Phillips and the Kevin Field Trio in an intimate, jazz style interpretation.
For the APRA Maioha Award, the judges are asked to consider the creative content of the music and lyrics, along with the use of Te Reo Maori.
The judges affirmed the writing talent of both Anituatua Black and Whirimako Black is undeniable: together they have created a volume of work that is of indisputable quality. The judges wished to acknowledge that Whirimako Black is a unique talent. They feel she has one of the best voices in the country and is also a remarkable musician.
The name Maioha embraces creativity and translates as "a spontaneous composition that reflects a deep emotional outpouring". The APRA Maioha Award was first presented in 2003 and is jointly administered by APRA and the Maori Music Industry Coalition (MMIC). This award adds to the well deserved recognition that both Anituatua and Whirimako have received this year. Anituatua was presented with a Te Tohu o Ngoi Kumeroa Pewhairangi award at the recent Nga Taonga a Te Waka Toi awards, recognising her contribution towards the revitalization of Te Reo Maori through the arts. Last month Maori TV broadcast an exclusive one hour recording of Whirimako Black in concert at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
The two other finalists were:
Hinemoana Baker for Puawai
Rodger Cunningham for Hawaiki
In his address to the audience at Monday's event, Garry Nicholas commented on the impact of Maori music internationally and the rise of kupu Maori in New Zealand compositions.
Four other awards were presented tonight. They were:
2005 APRA Silver Scroll Award (for best popular song) presented by 2000 Silver Scroll winner Chris Knox to Dann Hume, Jon Hume and Peter Hume from Evermore for It"s Too Late. Pitch Black performed an electronic version of their song during the night.
2005 SOUNZ Contemporary Award (recognising creative excellence by a NZ composer) presented by Prime Minister Helen Clark to Ross Harris for Labyrinth for Tuba and Orchestra. The Brassouls performed an arrangement of Harris" piece during the night.
2005 Most Performed Work in New Zealand - Tim and Neil Finn Won"t Give In presented by NZ On Air"s Brendan Smythe.
2005 Most Performed Work Overseas - Neil Finn Don"t Dream it"s Over presented by acclaimed American songwriter Jimmy Webb. Guests were treated to a performance of this song by Adeaze and Nesian Mystik.